As publisher of the Everything Menopause website, I have been researching and writing about the subject of menopause since 2005.
I recently surveyed how many people were reading each article and as a result, discovered what the Top 10 subjects were that women are interested in reading about. Most of these articles have been viewed up to 5,000 times.
I have summarized these Top 10 women’s health issues below giving you an idea of the problem as well as the solution, both medical and alternative. Of course, it’s always wise to consult a doctor first before trying anything on your own.
| Top 10 | Symptom Description & Possible Causes |
Solution(s) |
| Water Retention | Excessive accumulation of fluid in the body, may include bloating
Causes: Weakened adrenals, kidneys, circulatory system or perhaps the heart |
Reduce salt intake
Get daily exercise Dandelion tincture Dong Quai Eat foods including asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes, watermelon (avoid black tea and coffee) Use essential oils such as cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender and rosemary |
| Dizziness | Spinning sensation inside your head that may cause you to feel nauseous or faint and have to sit down; or just leave you feeling imbalanced and not at peace
Causes: anxiety, migraines, panic attacks, changes in blood pressure, low blood sugar, and viral infections |
Estrogen and progesterone supplementation Eat small meals every 2-3 hours Do deep breathing exercises (take a yoga or tai chi class) Drink more water, less caffeine and avoid sugar if you can |
| Fatigue, Mental & Physical | Levels of energy drop significantly including falling asleep during the day
Unable to concentrate for any length of time Causes: Chronic fatigue syndrome and hypothyroidism, hormone imbalances |
Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol
Use herbs including sarsaparilla, wild yam root Walk in the sun (Vitamin D) If you think you have CFS or thyroid problems, see a doctor |
| Anxiety | Panic attacks, hyperventilating, energy flushes, burning in the chest, unusual vibrations in the body, warm to hot flashes, emotional issues due to changes in mid-life including physical aging, divorce, the empty nest syndrome and caring for aging parents, and realizing that you’ve been covering up negative emotions for years
Causes: Changes in hormone levels, lack of coping skills |
Deep breathing, yoga and tai chi classes
Decreased estrogen levels can also cause depression, try natural estrogen and progesterone supplements Psychological Therapy Sleep and Exercise Avoid caffeine Ask your doctor about taking antidepressants |
| Indigestion & Bloating | Gastrointestinal distress such as indigestion, flatulence and sudden bloating
Causes: Improper digestion, sugar and lactose intolerance, decreased hormone levels |
Don’t eat too much protein or soy at one meal, use Beano and Enzymes
Colloidal minerals and herbs such as peppermint, raspberry, dandelion, lemon balm, nettles and green oat straw tea Don quai, estrogen & progesterone supplements |
| Mood Swings | General feelings of irritability, rage, concentrated anxiety, depression, indifference as well as nervousness and a feeling or worthlessness
Causes: Fluctuating hormone levels most notably a drop in progesterone and estrogen levels as well as changes in serotonin levels in the brain |
Daily exercise
Meditation, deep breathing and yoga Supplement estrogen & progesterone Join a social support group Diet changes including no stimulants such as caffeine or soda Use calming herbs that also increase serotonin levels such as passionflower and chamomile, 5HTP, tryptophan, multivitamin and minerals |
| Yeast Infections | Vaginal infections that can itch and burn inside and out, inflammation, painful intercourse, frequent urination, thick, white discharge
Causes: Overgrowth of candida albicans which is a fungus often brought on by consuming yeast, excess bathing and tight clothing, HRT causes higher levels of estrogen which can trigger yeast infections |
Over the counter medication in the form of creams and suppositories (see your doctor first to be sure what kind of infection you have and to rule out STDs)
Tea Tree Oil Use Safeguard soap to dry out vaginal area Cotton panties Avoid douching Avoid sex if possible or use water-soluble lubricating jells |
| Hair Loss | Loss of hair all over but especially head, also thinning of hair and bald spots
Causes: stress, hormonal changes, thyroid abnormalities, medications including blood thinners and chemotherapy, & diseases such as diabetes and lupus |
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Finasteride (Propecia) Essential Oils used in Aromatherapy such as Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender and Cedarwood |
| Anger | From mild annoyance to full out rage, if there is something you haven’t dealt with in your life, it’s going to revisit you during menopause
Causes: Unexpressed emotions, inability to cope with daily life, fluctuating hormone levels |
Daily exercise
Boost serotonin levels Supplement progesterone and estrogen Diet rich in protein, especially Omega-3 fatty acids Reduce intake of sugar and caffeine Take the amino acid tryptophan, relaxant DLPA, FABA, Tyrosene |
| Loss of Libido | Diminished sex drive or absence, vaginal dryness Causes: loss of hormones including progesterone, estrogen and testosterone
|
Supplement progesterone, estrogen and testosterone (research the different forms including HRT including pellets, injections, pills etc. as well as natural creams derived from plants including bio-identical hormones)
Lubricants, creams and gels |
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.